GWI lab now certified to international standard

DPI, Guyana, Monday, August 27, 2018

Guyana Water Incorporated’s (GWI) Laboratory today received its first ever certification which validates its ability to deliver reliable and precise information to its customers.

The certification ceremony was held today at GWI’s head office at Vlissingen road. The laboratory was certified by both national standards and international requirements to GYS 170 Standard. This is a national standard which demonstrates that a laboratory whether tested or medical has implemented an effective system in its operation.

GWI’s Managing Director, Dr. Richard Van West-Charles said the journey has started towards making the water safer has started and the certification process has contributed in this regard.

“We have started to create mini laboratories, placing kits in different parts. We’ve been able to move to advance water access by schools. All of Georgetown is completed and it’s a process to include the other regions and that water is clean and safe. We have a responsibility to our customers and the children,” Dr. Van West-Charles explained.

Head of the Conformity Assessment Department, GNBS, Rodlyn Semple presents certificate to GWI’s Managing Director, Dr. Richard Van West-Charles surrounded by Director of Corporate Services, Nigel Niles [right], Head of Water Quality, GWI, Deon Moore [second left] and Laboratory Consultant, GWI, Dr. Karamchand Ramoutar [left]

Laboratory Consultant, GWI, Dr. Karamchand Ramoutar received an award from Managing Director, GWI, Dr. Richard Van West-Charles, for his outstanding contributions towards GWI’s certification

He underlined that improving water quality for consumers is paramount and that the company has made strides in that regard but has a lot more work to do particularly in hinterland regions.

Head of Water Quality at GWI, Deon Moore said the certification validates the competence of the staff, the appropriateness of test methods and protocols used and ensures the suitability and calibration maintenance of test equipment, test environment, sampling handling and transportation of samples so that GWI can be assured of the reliability of its equipment.

The certification process was spearheaded by GWI’s Laboratory Consultant, Dr. Karamchand Ramoutar. To maintain certification to this standard, the laboratory will be reevaluated over a two-year period.

Ranette LaFleur

Image: Department of Public Information